Tala Raassi

She is devoted to celebrating the beauty of women with her designs & empowering women all around the world to follow their dreams.

Tala Raassi, an Iranian American fashion designer/author, was born in the United States and raised in Tehran. Named one of the “Most Fearless Women in the World” by Newsweek magazine, Raassi made her mark in the fashion world at an early age with her talent in exclusive swimwear. She is devoted to celebrating the beauty of women’s bodies through her designs and to empowering women all around the world to follow their dreams. For Raassi, “Fashion is Freedom.”

Out of the Closet: A Journey of Empowerment

Tala Raassi was passionate about fashion, even as a child in her beloved homeland of Iran. But it wasn’t easy. In the face of regulations that forbade a woman from exposing her hair in public, let alone wearing the newest threads, Tala had developed her keen sense of style in back-room cafés and secret parties.

She never imagined her behavior would land her in prison, or bring the cruel sting of a whip for the crime of wearing a miniskirt — but it did. The 40 lashes Tala endured as part of her punishment only fanned the flames of individuality and inspired her to embrace a new freedom in the United States.

Yet challenges remained: As Tala developed her own clothing label, her exploration into the creative, cutthroat community of Western fashion opened her eyes to the ups and downs of hard work, hard decisions and hard truths.

In hearing Tala’s personal journey, audiences will walk away with:

Motivation to overcome adversity and push their business to the next level;

Courage to take risks; and

An understanding of how asking the question “why” paves the way to continuous improvement and, ultimately, greater fulfillment in business and in life.

“Though her story is unique, all women can be inspired by her bravery and her perseverance. Tala Raassi is a great testament to the power of hard work, regardless of where you come from.”

– Joanna Coles, Editor in Chief of Cosmopolitan

“Tala can serve as an inspiration to women and men everywhere for shedding a dark and difficult past to become successful in business, but the most amazing part of her story isn’t her achievement. It’s that in spite of what she went through as a kid and aside from the incredible things she has accomplished, she is still an incredibly kind, open person – someone from whom we can all learn.”

– Josh Ellis, Editor in Chief, SUCCESS Magazine

“An uplifting and empowering woman. Tala Raassi is a testament to our ability as women to pursue our dreams in spite of adversity”

– Andrea Thompson, Marie Claire Magazine

“Tala is a beautiful example of empowerment and strength. She shows us not only an incredible woman on the rise but additionally, a woman who did not allow the difficult hardships she faced on her journey to deter her from chasing her dreams and creating change in the world. I am inspired by her bravery and fearless nature.”

– Jenna Ushkowitz, Actress, producer and author of Choosing Glee

“When Tala Raassi received an unthinkable childhood punishment-40 lashes for wearing a miniskirt-she didn’t hide in shame. She did the opposite, launching a fashion line to celebrate women’s bodies. Her story is extraordinary.”

– Abigail Pesta, award-winning journalist and Vice President of the Overseas Press Club of America